Ciao Bella: The Italian Film Festival of St. Louis begins this evening at 8 p.m. with the free screening of La bestia nel cuore (Don't Tell). The festival continues on Friday and Saturday nights through April 14; films screen in Brown Hall on the campus of Washington University (Forsyth and Skinker boulevards).

Cry Cry Cry: Garage-rock icon Question Mark (of the Mysterians) is best known for singing the deathless "96 Tears," the song that launched a thousand shaggy-haired bands back in the late 1960s. Question Mark has fallen on hard times lately, as his Michigan home burned to the ground earlier this year. Local bands the Gentleman Callers, the Nevermores and the Vultures will perform a tribute to the singer at 9 p.m. at Off Broadway (3509 Lemp Avenue; 314-773-3363). Tickets are $7.

Graphic in Nature:Hoffman LaChance Contemporary, home of the tasty and sophisticated art openings, breaks the seal on Graphic in Nature this evening from 6 to 10 p.m. Painter Max Key (a graduate of Kansas City Art Institute and Twin Echo Elementary School) has created an oversize series that at first overwhelms with the sheer size of the piece, and then seduces with the layers of information hidden in all that space.

The Jazz-Jam Flim-Flam: Guitarist John Scofield has spent his career walking the line between jazz fusion and rock & roll experimentation, and he has lent his singular guitar tone to jam-jazz trio Medeski Martin & Wood. Scofield's trio will perform Friday and Saturday at Jazz at the Bistro (3536 Washington Avenue; 314-531-1012). Tickets are $35-$40 and $20 for students.

Raise a Glass: The aTrek Dance Collective has put together a show of "winter works in progress" for your viewing and drinking enjoyment. "Cocktails & Choreography," happening Friday and Saturday (March 30 and 31) on the fourth floor of the Centene Center for Arts & Education (3547 Olive Street), begins with an 8 p.m. dance performance and finishes with a 9 p.m. cocktail reception  so dress nice. Tickets cost $10 to $15; call 314-772-7778 to get some.

Saturday, 3/31

Unfinished Funny Business: Spalding Gray, the man who returned the monologue to heights not seen since the days of Oscar Wilde, sadly took his own life in 2004. But an exceptional cast, not the least of whom is Spalding's brother and Wash. U. lecturer Rockwell Gray, performs a touching tribute to the man who had the gift of gab  urbane, sophisticated and trenchant gab. Stories Left to Tell was created by Kathleen Russo (Spalding's widow) and Lucy Sexton, and features highlights from his solo shows and unpublished material.

Something for Everyone: The Freedom of Road Riders-Local 42 hosts its annual Leather & Lace Dance from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Pacific Eagles (707 West Congress Street, Pacific). For your $15 admission (21 and up only), all manner of contests should keep you interested throughout the night, including a hot-buns competition (for the men) and a sexy-dressed showdown for the ladies. Call 314-401-9119 for more information.

Arts of India:Soorya Performing Arts hosts Nataka 2007, its first South Asian drama festival, Friday through Sunday (March 30 through April 1) at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center (717 Weidman Road, Ballwin). All of the plays are presented with English subtitles, and treats are served. Tickets cost $5 to $10, and Saturday's fun begins at 6 p.m.

Sunday, 4/1

It's Time to Git Up, Baby! Want to get extra pumped before Opening Day (er, Night)? Stop by Mike Shannon's Steaks and Seafood for a top-dollar steak and a heavy dose of baseball memorabilia. Stop by after the game and the man himself might be there.

Dunkin' Duncan:Duncan Sheik opens a new Dunkin' Donuts at the top of the Arch. Free piggybacks and soulful glances from Mr. Sheik. Have a great time eating great doughnuts with great company. Excelsior!

Circle of Friends:New Music Circle offers a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Bastian Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of St. Louis Community College-Forest Park (5600 Oakland Avenue). Performing are former St. Louisan Tom Hamilton (who's an electronic musician) and flutist Jacqueline Martelle, among others. Bring $6 to $12 for your admission, and be prepared for an evening of unusual, beautiful music.